Special Education Advocate

• Cajon Valley Unified School District (6 years): Education Specialist, Behavior Specialist.
• Poway Unified School District (16 years): Education Specialist, Administrator Designee.
• San Diego Unified School District (2 years): IEP Administrator, Behavior Specialist.
• Poway Unified School District (4 years): Education Specialist, Specialized Academic Instructor, and Master Teacher.

My background as a Special Day Class (SDC) teacher and a Specialized Academic Instructor has equipped me with deep insights into the unique educational approaches required for Special Needs students. This experience is crucial in understanding the intricacies of developing and implementing an Individualized Education Program (IEP). An IEP, a legally binding document under federal law, guides teachers in delivering education tailored to the student's specific goals and accommodations. My expertise ensures that these plans are not only well-crafted but also effectively executed in the classroom.

Drawing on my extensive experience as an IEP Administrator, I possess a comprehensive understanding of the requirements for an IEP to align with California state standards. In instances where an IEP may fall short of these standards, I collaborate closely with the IEP team to implement all necessary modifications, ensuring full compliance and the highest quality of educational planning.

Upon receiving a new IEP, my approach involves a meticulous review, where I identify any potential discrepancies, areas of concern, or needed revisions. Following this analysis, I engage in a comprehensive discussion with the parents to share my observations. Subsequently, I prepare a detailed report encompassing all comments, concerns, inquiries, and suggested amendments. This process is aimed at refining the IEP into a document that holistically supports the student's academic, social, emotional, and behavioral development.

In my role as an Educational Parent/Student Advocate, collaborating with the IEP team is a critical aspect of crafting an IEP that is entirely student-centered. I ensure that the Present Levels are up-to-date and align with the Baselines, which are essential for guiding the IEP Goals. Additionally, I rigorously verify that all goals and short-term objectives are clearly observable, measurable, and achievable, thus fostering a comprehensive and effective educational plan.

A key aspect of my role as an Educational Parent/Student Advocate involves empowering parents by educating them about their rights in the IEP process. I firmly believe that parents play the most vital role at the IEP table, and it is crucial that they are fully informed and understand their rights to effectively advocate for their child's educational needs.

Navigating the complexities of Special Education and the laws governing IEP creation can often be challenging and overwhelming. My role is to simplify and clarify this journey, making it more manageable and comprehensible for everyone involved.